Author: user user

Newly-crowned Miss Asia Pacific International Isabela Fernandes of Brazil will stay in the Philippines a bit longer, along with her runners-up, to get some much-needed rest after the competition.

During the victory press conference held at Rosa Restaurant at the K1 Center by Prestige Bay in Parañaque City on Oct. 11, the organizers said the five top finishers will be having a two-week-long vacation in the Philippines.

The announcement was a much-deserved respite for the ladies, whose pageant journey was jolted by a destructive earthquake in Cebu where much of the activities took place, including the final competition.

On the ladies’ first day in Cebu on Sept. 30, the Benefit Gala Night at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City came to an abrupt end just as the program was about to close because the tremor shook the venue.

Because of the calamity that struck one of the biggest events of this year’s pageant season, the organizers realigned the ladies’ activities to stand in solidarity with those affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake, that traced its epicenter in Bogo City in northern Cebu.

For four straight days after the earthquake struck, the delegates engaged in relief missions, including the packing of goods at the Cebu Province warehouse, and distributing aid to the towns of Daanbantayan, Medellin, and San Remigio near Bogo City.

They also engaged in workshops to improve the condition of their mental health, process everything that they had gone through, and prepare them for the upcoming activities.

The final competition show held at the Cebu Coliseum on Oct. 8 also dedicated a moment of silence for those who perished because of the quake, with a video presentation of the ladies’ relief activities flashing on screen. The moment brought some of the delegates to tears. Afterwards, the members of the pageant’s board of directors and executive committee handed out tokens of appreciation to all the ladies on stage, glass lanterns with roses and fairy lights inside that symbolize their love, resilience, and rebirth.

After the coronation night, Fernandes and her runners-up, including the Philippines’ Anita Rose Gomez who finished second overall, faced members of the media in Cebu, to make up for the cancelled press presentation originally scheduled the day after the earthquake struck.

They then headed back to Manila to recharge before embarking on a two-week-long tour of different tourist destinations in the Philippines. Currently, the ladies are in Boracay, hailed as one of the best beaches in the world.

Joining Fernades and Gomez are second runner-up Boronwat Maneerat of Thailand, third runner-up Jana Janssens of Belgium, fourth runner-up Delilah Elmira Wildeboer of the Netherlands, and New Zealand’s Hannah Leigh Cross, Continental Queen of Oceania and Miss Sheridan. /edv

Christine Juliane ‘CJ’ Opiaza could not contain her giddiness after creating a moment with 2023 Miss Grand International Luciana Fuster at the sidelines of the activities for this year’s global tilt in Thailand.

When the Filipino queen became the first delegate from the Philippines to receive the Miss Grand International title after assuming the remainder of the reign left by erstwhile winner Rachel Gupta from India in June, it was pageant head Nawat Itsaragrisil who put the crown on her head.

Opiaza emerged as first runner-up at the conclusion of the 2024 contest, and it was Gupta who had a crowning moment with the Peruvian predecessor.

Fuster and Opiaza are both currently in Thailand for the 2025 Miss Grand International pageant, and the Peruvian queen approached the Filipino titleholder to create a crowning moment.

‘May not be the typical crowning, but it will always be a moment written in history. Thank you, my Queen [Fuster], for initiating and recreating this beautiful moment [stars emoji],’ Opiaza penned as she posted photos on social media.

‘My inner self can’t stop feeling all the kilig (giddiness)[hands forming a heart emoji],’ continued Opiaza, who is scheduled to crown her successor this weekend.

She set out to post the Philippines’ first Miss Grand International victory when she flew to Thailand just three days after receiving her national title last year. But she fell short and it was Gupta who recorded her country’s first win.

But in May, Gupta announced that she was abdicating the throne because of unfulfilled commitments from the Miss Grand International Organization, and mistreatment from the officials. The organizers, particularly Nawat, retaliated and accused Gupta of being difficult to work with, even violating the terms of her contract as reigning queen.

About a week after the online tirade between the two sides, Opiaza flew to Bangkok, Thailand, to officially accept her new role as the reigning Miss Grand International titleholder, making history for the Philippines.

Just a little over four months since assuming the title, Opiaza is set to relinquish her title to crown successor, who will be proclaimed at the conclusion of the coronation ceremonies at the MGI Hall in Bangkok on Oct. 18. The Philippines is represented this year by broadcaster and pageant veteran Emma Tiglao.

Schools in North and South Caloocan as well as its city hall were declared ‘clear’ by police after a series of bomb threats Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Along Malapitan announced.

The threats prompted the local chief executive to suspend classes in all public and private schools as well as government offices in the city on Wednesday afternoon.

‘The Caloocan City Police Station declared that all locations mentioned in the bomb threat we received this afternoon were now ‘cleared’,’ Malapitan said in an advisory Wednesday evening.

‘This comes after thorough inspection by our bomb squad in the said locations,’ he explained. Malapitan also announced that classes and government work in Caloocan will resume on Thursday, Oct. 16.

The mayor further noted that he instructed the Caloocan police to again inspect the area and increase their officers’ visibility especially at the city’s schools to calm any concerns from students, teachers and parents. ‘My fellow citizens, let us not make light of this situation because there are corresponding penalties for disturbances like bomb threats,’ Malapitan appealed to the public.

‘We will continue to investigate and determine who is behind this disturbance to our city and we will ensure that they will be held accountable to the law,’ he stressed.

Following its monumental win over Ateneo in triple overtime, University of Santo Tomas kept up its winning ways after beating Far Eastern University, 92-80, on Wednesday.

The Growling Tigers trounced the skidding Tamaraws to improve their record to 5-1, tied with National U at the top spot.

This latest UST win also didn’t come easily as it struggled to put away a pesky FEU side until a late-game surge.

‘First of all, FEU is a very tough team because, not until Gelo sank those triples, it was a 50-50 game,’ UST assistant CJ Balingit said. ‘All throughout the game, we’ll lead then they’ll chase that lead. We were just exchanging stops and shots.’ The Growling Tigers were barely leading, 74-73, with 6:56 left to play before they unloaded a decisive 16-7 run to gain some much-needed distance.

Gelo Crisostomo starred in that pullaway with two triples, giving UST a 90-80 lead with 2:12 to go in the game. He ended his solid showing with 14 points and seven rebounds. Kyle Paranada paced UST on offense with 19 points while Collins Akowe tallied a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Usual go-to scorer Nic Cabañero added 14 to his name.

FEU dropped its second straight game after a loss to University of the Philippines on Sunday as it reeled to a 1-5 record, just a game ahead of winless University of the East.

Janrey Pasaol scored a game-high 22 points for the Tamaraws, but to no avail.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp.(PhilHealth) on Wednesday said around 36 million Filipinos have registered and availed of its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (Yakap), which had a budget of P15.3 billion, since it was launched in July.

Speaking during a roundtable discussion with reporters, PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin Mercado said the Yakap program was meant to ‘change our mindset and behavior’ by offering primary care services to Filipinos.

‘When you are already 40 years old, you should have an initial screening of breast cancer, or if you have a family history of colonic cancer, you should have a colonoscopy. That should be the mindset,’ he said. ‘Because when the disease worsens, the cost will be higher.’ ‘Actually, dialysis is the biggest benefit package currently being paid by PhilHealth. Is that right? Or isn’t it better that before we develop diabetes, develop hypertension, we prevent that to avoid going into dialysis. So that’s the basic concept of primary care,’ he added.

According to Mercado, 92 percent of all municipalities of the Philippines already have a PhilHealth-accredited Yakap clinic, where Filipinos may register for the program to receive benefits.

Among these benefits include free checkups, laboratory tests, cancer screening tests and 75 types of medicine. ‘The shift of concept from curative to prevention, if we achieve this, I think our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren will benefit from this,’ Mercado said, urging the public to register for the Yakap program.

‘It will be unfortunate for the next generation of Filipinos if by the time they grow older, they would not be able to benefit from this program, and the curative or emergency type of treatment will continue, which is what we would like to avoid,’ he added. The Yakap program expands on the services previously provided by the PhilHealth’s Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama or Konsulta package. Under Yakap, PhilHealth has launched new benefits such as the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment, which provides yearly free medicines up to P20,000 a year, as well as selected outpatient cancer screening tests.

According to Mercado, the share of PhilHealth in the current total health-care expenditure of the country has increased to 14 percent from the 10 percent previously recorded.

‘Our target is by 2028, we could raise the share of PhilHealth in the total current health-care expenditure to about 25 to 35 percent,’ he said.

He noted that in provincial hospitals in particular, PhilHealth shares 75 percent to 80 percent of the current health-care expenditure, while in Department of Health-run hospitals, its share was around 50 percent to 60 percent. For private hospitals, where only 10 percent of the beds are in basic accommodation, Mercado said PhilHealth has a share of 40 percent in the health-care expenditure.

‘We really have a huge focus on really promoting primary care and putting resources into it, so that in the long-term, we can reduce our total health-care expenditure,’ Mercado said.

Greg Slaughter on Wednesday apologized to the PBA for what he described as ‘past miscommunications’ since playing his last game in the league in 2021.

Slaughter made this known in a lengthy statement handed out to members of the media, an apparent step that could pave the way for his comeback this season. He said that changes in circumstances have made him rethink. ‘It’s been four years since I last played for the PBA. And I’ve missed it very much. I missed playing for the fans and competing in the top-level basketball league in the Philippines,’ he said. ‘A lot can happen in four years, and in truth, so much has: life experiences, growth and maturity. I’m older now and I am now the head of a family of five. I can honestly say that my life is great, but I also must admit, something has been missing.

‘When I look back at my career in the PBA, I look back with so much gratefulness. I have nothing but gratitude for the opportunities it has given me, and the life it has afforded me and my family. It is with the same gratitude that I approach this new season in my life with humility – the humility to recognize what I did wrong, and the humility to offer my profound apologies for miscommunications in the past that caused offense to an association that has been so good to me, an association that has made my dream of playing for a Filipino premier league come true. I would specifically like to mention, Mr. Alfrancis Chua, the person responsible for getting me to play for Ginebra, a person I owe so much to. My profound gratitude to you, Sir.’ Slaughter had a contract dispute with NorthPort after the 2021 Philippine Cup and took his talents to Japan, where he played for B.League second division side Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka from 2022 to 2024. The former Barangay Ginebra star returned to the country last year and played for Manila, and this season, for Basilan in the MPBL. But Slaughter added the PBA’s opening ceremonies last Oct. 5 and made his intentions known that he wants to return. ‘I am Fil-Am, but I have never felt more Filipino than when playing for the PBA. I’ve played elsewhere but nothing compares to playing for Filipino fans. They are the best in the world. Iba pa rin ang puso ng Pinoy,’ he said.

‘It is my dream to come back, and it is my dream for my family to see me proud of playing in the homecourt. I want my wife and children to watch me play basketball in the PBA again. I want my three daughters to be proud of their father. I want them to grow up seeing me beam with pride in the PBA. To have a father who plays for the PBA is a legacy I want for my children.

‘Basketball is my favorite sport. I love it very much. It’s my life. I want to end by promising to everyone here and all the PBA fans everywhere that from here on, I will do my best and give my all in every game, and that you can all expect a more seasoned player.

Members of the House of Representatives are open to crafting rules on the public release of their statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs), according to Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III.

Dy said they will talk about it during the congressional break to ensure consistent and transparent disclosure. ‘Actually, it’s not being formally discussed, but the House members are talking about it; they’re willing,’ the lawmaker said in a statement as quoted in a radio interview.

‘This is a good thing to discuss. During our break, we’ll discuss it thoroughly so that we can come up with a clear policy on how we will show support for releasing our SALNs,’ he added.

The Office of the Ombudsman lifted restrictions on public access to the SALN of government officials on Tuesday.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla implemented the policy shift by releasing a Memorandum Circular No. 3. The circular contains the guidelines on public access to SALNs filed by public officials and employees. Under Section 3, agency heads are required to collect and submit SALNs of their personnel to the Ombudsman, along with a summary report, by May 31 every year.

Based on the document, SALNs must be filed with any public assistance and corruption prevention office of the anti-graft body’s central office, any public assistance corruption prevention bureau, or sectoral offices.

Those who would like to make a request must do so by filing a form issued by the office, present two valid IDs, pay the reproduction or certification fee, and wait for the respective offices to review the request.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday urged local government units (LGUs) to update their disaster preparedness plans.

This came after the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that jolted Cebu last Sept. 30 and the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that rocked Davao Oriental last Oct. 10.

‘LGUs are directed to update disaster plans, activate Emergency Operations Centers and Incident Management Teams, and ensure the readiness of evacuation centers,’ the DILG said in a statement. ‘Structural assessments of public and private buildings must be prioritized, especially in quake-affected areas,’ it added.

The department further appealed to LGUs to conduct information drives and preparedness drills as well as to coordinate with their respective regional and municipal disaster risk reduction and management councils and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Further, the DILG instructed LGUs to ensure their areas had clear evacuation routes, visible signages and designated safe zones. For its part, the Philippine National Police-an attached agency of the DILG-said it was also reviewing its own protocols in responding to natural hazards.

‘The PNP fully supports calls to strengthen earthquake preparedness across all levels of government,’ Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement earlier on Wednesday.

‘We are currently enhancing our disaster response protocols and ensuring that all police units are equipped and ready to assist in search, rescue, and relief operations when needed,’ the top cop added. PNP audits equipment

In a separate statement also on Wednesday, the PNP said Nartatez also ordered a comprehensive audit of the law enforcement agency’s assets and equipment to ensure its disaster preparedness.

‘Our goal is to make sure that every PNP unit, from the national headquarters down to the smallest station, can respond quickly and confidently,’ the agency’s public information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said in the statement.

According to the PNP, it currently had a total of 74,360 search-and-rescue toolboxes; 2,619 shovels; 1,644 axes; 1,557 pick mattocks; 1,288 sledge hammers; 1,219 crowbars; and 1,003 50-meter rescue ropes.

The agency further noted that it had 12,812 life vests; 1,469 first aid kits; and 1,019 spineboards as well as 3,500 kerosene lanterns and 884 LED flashlights.

It added that the PNP currently had eight rotary-wing helicopters and one fixed-wing airplane. Moreover, the PNP said it recently procured 4,989 enhanced combat helmets; 3,711 all-purpose vests; 403 auto-gated night vision monoculars; 400 light motorcycles; 383 4×4 personnel carriers; 322 unmanned aerial vehicles; 225 light transport vehicles; 32 heavy motorcycles and four laser scanners.

Like a boxer showing respect to a bloodied opponent, La Salle’s Mike Phillips did the same for University of the East big man Precious Momowei.

Following La Salle’s gritty 111-110 win over the Red Warriors in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, Phillips was quick to acknowledge his counterpart’s valiant effort despite the loss. ‘He really plays his heart out for UE,’ said Phillips at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

‘That’s why the community really loves him and every time they see him they cheer for him. It’s nice to kind of have that and just props to him for really playing his heart out.’

Momowei did his usual thing-posting a double-double for UE-but this time, he also tallied the highest-scoring output for a Red Warrior since 2017.

The Nigerian forward exploded for 42 points-the most by a UE player since Alvin Pasaol’s outburst in Season 80-along with 13 rebounds. Unfortunately, his performance still wasn’t enough to end the team’s skid, as UE remained winless after six games.

Phillips, meanwhile, registered 18 points and 11 rebounds to help La Salle improve to 3-3.

A juvenile Philippine serpent eagle (Spilornis holospilus) that crash-landed inside a house in Barangay Ilomavis here, near the country’s peak Mt. Apo, was rescued and was released back to the wild on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Lawyer Felix S. Alicer, regional executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12, said the juvenile bird weighed about 0.6 kilograms with a body length of 20 inches.

Its discovery was reported to the Mount Apo Natural Park-Protected Area Management Office (MANP-Pamo) on the same day it was rescued, prompting a swift response from wildlife authorities. Alicer said the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) Cotabato wildlife rescue team promptly retrieved the eagle and brought it to the City Veterinary Office for medical evaluation.

Dr. Jessa Dell Remonde, DVM examined and found it to be apparently healthy and fit for release. No major injury was detected within its body.

Hence, the eagle was cleared for its return to the wild. The bird was released back to its natural habitat on Tuesday morning, in accordance with wildlife handling protocols.

DENR reminded the public that the species enjoyed protection under Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Authorities encourage citizens to report wildlife sightings and to support ongoing conservation efforts. A day earlier, a Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), a migratory bird species, was rescued in Barangay Poblacion, Kidapawan City, after crows attacked it and it fell behind a boarding house near a school.

The Penro office in Kidapawan City reported that the bird, weakened from the fall and lack of food, was safely retrieved by Sheila N. Olay, a local teacher, and her husband, who turned it over to Penro.

Alicer said initial assessments showed the heron in good shape but displaying signs of weakness.

As standard protocol, the bird has been put under close observation and temporary care at the Penro facility. The bird is expected to be released back into the wild once it has fully recovered.

Black-crowned Night Herons, which have an average wingspan of 98 centimeters and a body length of about 61 centimeters, are usually found in wetlands such as marshes, lakes, rivers, and tidal flats.